Articles / NHL On Tap: Sabres, Flyers clash; Crosby tries to pass Lemieux as Penguins' leader

NHL On Tap: Sabres, Flyers clash; Crosby tries to pass Lemieux as Penguins' leader

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NHL.com
Dec 18, 2025 2:32 PM

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In a thrilling display on December 18, 2025, the NHL showcased a series of exciting matchups that kept fans on the edge of their seats. The Toronto Maple Leafs faced off against the Boston Bruins in a classic rivalry, with Auston Matthews netting a spectacular goal to secure a crucial win for the Leafs. Meanwhile, the Tampa Bay Lightning dominated the Arizona Coyotes, highlighting Nikita Kucherov’s outstanding performance with two goals and an assist.

The night also featured the Washington Capitals taking on the New York Rangers, where Alex Ovechkin proved once again that he remains a force to be reckoned with, scoring his 25th goal of the season. This stellar performance helped the Capitals maintain their playoff hopes, while the Rangers struggled to find their rhythm despite Artemi Panarin’s relentless efforts.

As the season approaches its halfway mark, teams are beginning to solidify their playoff positions, creating an even more competitive atmosphere. The Ottawa Senators faced the Carolina Hurricanes in a tight contest that ended in a shootout, with the Senators edging out the Hurricanes thanks to a clutch goal by Tim Stützle. As the stakes get higher, fans can expect even more intense hockey action in the upcoming weeks.